1997 NISSAN SENTRA Owners Manual

Adjusting tone quality and sound
balance
To adjust BASS, TREB (treble), FADER,
and BAL (balance), the control knobs must
be released from their stowed positions.
Pushing the knobs once moves them to the
released position.
In the released position, the knobs control
tone quality. Turn the control knobs to ad-
just BASS and TREB to the most pleasing
level.
From the released position, the knobs must
be pulled out in order to control FADER andBAL. FADER adjusts the sound level be-
tween the front and rear speakers, and BAL
adjusts the sound level between the right
and left speakers.
CASSETTE TAPE OPERATION
Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON, then
lightly insert the cassette tape into the tape
door.
The cassette tape automatically pulls into
the player. The word TAPE and an arrow
indicating tape side illuminates in the dis-
play window.
CAUTION
Do not force the cassette tape into the
tape door. This could cause player
damage.
The cassette tape automatically changes
directions to play the other side when the
first side is complete. At this time, the arrow
in the display window changes direction.
cTo maintain good quality sound, NIS-
SAN recommends using cassette
tapes of 60 minutes or shorter in
length.
cCassette tapes should be removed
from the player when not in use. Store
cassettes in their protective cases
and away from direct sunlight, heat,
moisture and magnetic sources.
cDirect sunlight can cause the cassette
to become deformed. The use of de-
formed cassettes may cause the cas-
sette to jam in the player.
cDo not use cassettes with labels
which are peeling and loose. If used,
the label could jam in the player.
cIf a cassette has loose tape, insert a
pencil through one of the cassette
AHA0522
3-13
ZX

hubs and rewind the tape firmly
around the hubs. Loose tape may
cause tape jamming and wavering
sound quality.
cOver a period of time, the playback
head, capstan and pinch roller may
collect a tape coating residue as the
tape passes over the head. This resi-
due accumulation can cause weak or
wavering sound, and should be re-
moved periodically with a head clean-
ing tape. If the residue is not removed
periodically, the player may need to
be disassembled for cleaning.
Fast forwarding or rewinding the
tape
Push either the FF (fast forward) or REW
(rewind) button for the desired direction.
The
orsymbol illuminates in the
display. To stop the FF or REW function,
press the PLAY/STOP button.
Automatic Program Search (APS)
fast forwarding or APS rewinding
the tape
Push either the APS FF or APS REW button
while the tape is playing. The tape runs
quickly, stops, then plays the next selection.
The indicator flashes on and off while
searching for the selection. The
orsymbol illuminates in the display.
This system searches at the blank intervals
between selections. If there is a blank inter-
val within one selection or there is no inter-
val between selections, the system may not
search correctly.
Changing the direction of tape play
Push the PROG (program) select button.
Theorsymbol illuminates in
the display to indicate side of program play.
Dolby NR (noise reduction)
Push theDOLBY NR button for
Dolby NR encoded tapes to reduce high
frequency tape noise. The indicator light
comes on.
Dolby NR is manufactured under license
from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpora-tion. DOLBY NR and the double-D symbol
are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Li-
censing Corporation.
If in the clock priority mode when the
button is pressed,and TAPE
illuminate in the display window for about
ten seconds. The clock mode then returns
to the display window.
Metal or chrome tape usage
The cassette player is automatically set to
high performance play when playing a metal
or chrome cassette tape. The indicator
METAL comes on when playing a metal or
chrome cassette tape.
Stopping and ejecting the cassette
tape
Push the EJECT button.
The cassette tape automatically comes out.
Manual antenna
The antenna cannot be shortened but it can
be removed. When you need to remove the
antenna, turn its base counterclockwise.
3-14
ZX

Microphone installed model
If equipped with a genuine cellular phone,
your NISSAN features a non-directional mi-
crophone in the steering column cover, so it
is not necessary to look at or speak directly
into the microphone when calling.
To do so could detract from the driving
operation and cause an accident.
See the manual for car phone operation.
Pre-wired and antenna for phone
installed model
Some models are pre-wired to accept the
genuine NISSAN cellular phone.
In addition, the same model has the phone
antenna built into the rear glass window.
When installing a CB ham radio or a car
phone in your NISSAN, be sure to observe
the following cautions, otherwise the new
equipment may adversely affect the Multi-
port Fuel Injection (MFI) system and other
electronic parts.
CAUTION
c
Keep the antenna as far as possible
away from the Engine Control Module
(ECM).
cAlso keep the antenna wire more
than 8 inches (20 cm) away from the
engine control harness. Do not route
the antenna wire next to any
harness.
cAdjust the antenna standing-wave
ratio as recommended by the
manufacturer.
cConnect the ground wire from the
CB radio chassis to the body.
cFor details, consult a NISSAN dealer.
CB RADIO OR CAR PHONE
3-15
ZX

MEMO
3-16
ZX

4Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ...................4-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................4-2
Three way catalyst .................................................4-2
Avoiding collision and rollover................................4-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .........................4-3
Ignition switch .........................................................4-4
Manual transmission ..............................................4-4
Automatic transmission ..........................................4-4
Before starting the engine ......................................4-5
Driving with automatic transmission
(if so equipped) ......................................................4-6
Driving with manual transmission ..........................4-9Starting the engine ...............................................4-11
Parking brake operation .......................................4-11
Cruise control (if so equipped) .............................4-12
Break-in schedule ................................................4-14
Increasing fuel economy ......................................4-14
Parking/parking on hills ........................................4-15
Power steering system .........................................4-16
Brake system........................................................4-17
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
(if so equipped) ....................................................4-17
Cold weather driving ............................................4-19
ZX

WARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
They could accidentally injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent
operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.
EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)
WARNING
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is dan-
gerous. It can cause unconsciousness
or death.
cIf you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, drive with
all windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
cDo not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.cDo not park the vehicle with the
engine running for any extended
length of time.
cKeep the trunk lid closed while driv-
ing, otherwise exhaust gases could
be drawn into the passenger com-
partment. If you must drive in this
manner for some reason, take the
following steps:
1. Open all the windows.
2.
Set the air recirculation button (if
so equipped) off and the fan control
dial to 4 (high) to circulate the air.
3. Be sure the rear seats are secured
and latched in the upright
position.
cIf electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the trunk lid or
the body, follow the manufacturer's
recommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
cThe exhaust system and body
should be inspected by a qualified
mechanic whenever:a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.
d.
You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE WAY CATALYST
The three way catalyst is an emission con-
trol device installed in the exhaust system.
Exhaust gases in the three way catalyst are
burned at high temperatures to help reduce
pollutants.
WARNING
c
The exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people or flam-
mable materials away from the ex-
haust pipe.
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They
may ignite and cause a fire.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
STARTING AND DRIVING
4-2
ZX

CAUTION
cDo not use leaded gasoline. Depos-
its from leaded gasoline seriously
reduce the three way catalyst's abil-
ity to help reduce exhaust
pollutants.
cKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause over-
rich fuel flow into the converter,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep
driving if the engine misfires, or if
noticeable loss of performance or
other unusual operating conditions
are detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected promptly by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
cAvoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three way catalyst.
cDo not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.
cDo not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss
of control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times.
Obey all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive
speed, high speed cornering, or sudden
steering maneuvers, because these driving
practices could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle.As with any vehicle, a loss
of control could result in a collision with
other vehicles or objects, or cause the
vehicle to rollover, particularly if the loss
of control causes the vehicle to slide
sideways.Be attentive at all times, and
avoid driving when tired. Never drive when
under the influence of alcohol or drugs
(including prescription or over-the-counter
drugs which may cause drowsiness). Al-
ways wear your seat belt as outlined in the
``Seat Belts'' section of this manual, and
also instruct your passengers to do so.WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs. Alcohol in the blood
stream reduces coordination, delays
reaction time and impairs judgment.
Driving after drinking alcohol increases
the likelihood of being involved in an
accident injuring yourself and others.
Additionally, if you are injured in the
accident alcohol can increase the se-
verity of injury.
Nissan is committed to safe driving. How-
ever, you must choose not to drive under
the influence of alcohol. Every year thou-
sands of people are injured or killed in
alcohol related accidents. Although the local
laws vary on what is considered to be
legally intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol
affects all people differently and most
people underestimate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don't mix!
And that's true for drugs, too (over the
counter, prescription, and illegal drugs).
Don't drive if your ability to operate your
vehicle is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or
some other physical condition.
AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVERDRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS
AND DRIVING
4-3
ZX

MANUAL TRANSMISSION
The ignition switch includes an anti-theft
steering lock device.
The key can only be removed when the
ignition switch is in the LOCK position.
On manual transmission models, to turn
the ignition key to LOCK from ACC or ON,
turn the key to OFF and press in the key
release button, then turn the key to LOCK.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked,
it must be straight up (logo on wheel will be
up). If the wheel is left upside down, it is not
locked.To lock the steering wheel, remove the
key. To unlock the steering wheel, insert
the key and turn it gently while rotating
the steering wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove the key while driving. If
the key is removed, the steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle and could
result in serious vehicle damage or
personal injury.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
On automatic transmission models the igni-
tion lock is designed so the key cannot be
turned to LOCK and removed until the shift
lever is moved to the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the shift lever is in the P (Park)
position.
When the key cannot be turned to the LOCK
position, proceed as follows to remove the
key:
ASD0610ASD0023
IGNITION SWITCH
4-4
ZX